Readers Delete Digital Drama!

Seventeen readers share stories of how they took a stand against cyberbullying.

Dealing with cyber-bullying is never easy, but speaking up and asking for help can make a huge difference. These readers overcame digital drama, and share how you can, too.

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Vow To Love Yourself!

"I was bullied on Facebook and people spread lies about me. I made a vow to myself to share my story with others to stop cyberbullying. I now compete in pageants to show that I have gained my self-confidence back. I have my own platform called Cyber Bullying: Think Before You Type. I talk to adults and kids because words do hurt, and even if you hit the delete button what you said is still there. You should never bring yourself down because of what someone said. That's what I learned and I use it as a lesson to others to try and stop cyberbullying." — Mickayla, 18, CT

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Lead By Example

Bullying is a huge issue for teens, including me. I was a targeted for my appearance. It takes a great deal of resolve to maintain self-esteem when girls are stealing your books, homework, and starting rumors about you online. At first I couldn't understand why anyone would do that to anyone, but I learned that it is their insecurities that cause them to be mean to others.

I overcame bullying by watching how the bullies treated not just me, but others as well. I may have been their main target, but I noticed they treated others poorly as well. Every time I saw them be mean to someone, I followed up by saying something kind to that person. I stop the drama in my own life by never gossip or discussing private matters with others, and hope it encourages others to do the same." —Danielle, 15, ME

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Stick With People Who Make You Happy

"After a falling out with a former friend, I received numerous emails, a nasty blog post was made about me, and there was even a YouYube channel dedicated just to talking about me. A quote that really helped me through was one from Marilyn Monroe:

'People change so you can learn to let go. Things go wrong so that you appreciate them when they are right. You believe lies so you eventually learn to trust no one but yourself. And sometimes good things fall apart so better things can fall together.'

It helped me through the rough times, and the times I felt like I was going to fall apart from all the criticism I received. After awhile, if I saw mean things, I simply ignored them and walked away. It was definitely hard at first, but over the years I’ve learned that to be drama-free and bully-free you really must surround yourself with only people who make you happy, and to not let the little things bother you."—Jackie, 18, WA

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Privacy Is Key

"I was anonymously threatened via Formspring. I made all of my profiles private and turned off the anonymous option on my Tumblr. I stopped using Formspring altogether. We need better cyberbullying laws in this country!" —Cassi, 17, IL

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Don't Be Afraid To Tell Somebody

"I was working on a class project and one of my group members messaged me, and would say mean things and call me names online. Another guy joined in and things escalated! I printed out the conversation and showed my parents, who brought it to the school principal. The boys were suspended from school and wrote me an apology. I have not dealt with any bullying since then " —Chloé, 19, Quebec, Canada

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Always Speak Up!

"I was bullied on Facebook by my friend's girlfriend. She sent me mean texts and even spread rumors about me at school. Once I worked up the nerve, I decided to address it with her directily. I talked to her, she had nothing to say. I'm glad I did—I haven't gotten a rude message since!" —Mia, 15, UT

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Ask For Help

"During my senior year, I was harassed on Formspring. I got mean and threatening anonymous messages every day! One of my best friends printed out the messages and showed the police. After students saw me walk out of the principal's office with police officers, the cyberbullying immediately stopped." —Stephanie, 21, NY

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Focus On The Positive!

"The best way to deal with cyberbulling is to ignore it! Don't let it get to you. Think about all the positive things in life! This is exactly what has helped me deal with cyberbullying. Life is much more than social media sites that won't matter 10 years from now." — Madison, 17, OH

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Talk To Someone

"I was bullied every day for over a year. It was very hard to get through. My school couldn't do anything because it was happening while I was at home. I honestly didn't think I would ever get through it.

After a while, I refused to let the people doing this win. Why should I? Making new friends who loved me for me helped me start to accept myself again. I started to let the negativity go, and was finally happy again. Sometimes, just talking to people can change everything. And now if I ever see any mean comments, I just ignore it. I’m a stronger person now." —Logan, 16, NY

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